Why London is still one of the great world cities

London has slipped down a global league table of the best places in the world
for living conditions. The Daily Telegraph’s resident Australian reporter
argues that, despite the numbers, it remains one of the world’s great
cities.

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The Shard, with London Bridge Station, HMS Belfast and Tower Bridge, with Canary Wharf in the distance.Photo: REX FEATURES

By contrast Melbourne, Australia’s second biggest city, comes out on top while my hometown of Adelaide, was ranked the equal fifth best place in the world to live.

They are considered the best cities because of their political and social stability, low crime rates, excellent education and easy access to health care.

With Sydney and Perth also making the top 10, it certainly has left many Australians, and the local media, cheering after what some believe was a dismal fortnight at the London 2012 Olympics. I to, am not surprised.

It was in stark contrast to the unforgettable exhilaration I felt when I landed in the capital almost six-and-half years ago. Having travelled more than 10,000 miles from South Australia, London’s vibrancy was immediately obvious.

The River Torrens in Adelaide (Picture: ALAMY)

Arriving from Australia’s fifth largest city, with a population of about 1.2 million (slightly more than Birmingham), was certainly a shock and, despite the years, I have never got used to the extreme cost of housing or public transport.

Adelaide’s easy lifestyle, cheap living and glorious beaches are some of the things I miss every day as well as the great food and wine and the weather.

But London has other features that I adore – from its amazing history, historic buildings and open parks through to a pulsating nightlife, cultural attractions and diverse range of people. Its close link to Europe is also excellent.

Today, life has changed with a young child and family. But while our busy nightlife is a somewhat distant memory, we now explore different parts of London I didn't even know existed.

Yes, it is large, dense and its pace can sometimes leave you exhausted. But while I will always consider Adelaide home, I absolutely love my adopted city.